Former Wales and Lions wing Keri Jones dies aged 81

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 30 Oct, 22:21 · Archive

Keri Jones, a former Wales and British Lions rugby international, has died aged 81.

Keri Jones, a former Wales and British Lions rugby union international, died on 29 October aged 81. A product of Ystalyfera Grammar School, Jones played for Neath before joining Cardiff in 1965 or 1966. He won five caps for Wales in rugby union, making his debut in 1967 against New Zealand. Jones scored tries against Scotland and France during the 1968 Five Nations, earning a place on the British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa that year, though he missed the first two weeks with a hamstring injury.

Jones switched to rugby league in 1968, joining Wigan as a professional at the age of 23. He played 57 times for Wigan, with the outlets differing on his try tally: BBC Wales reports 38 tries, whilst WalesOnline states 30 tries for his union career. He was called up to the Great Britain squad for the 1970 Rugby League World Cup, scoring tries against France and New Zealand. He was forced to retire at 26 due to recurring hamstring problems.

Before his rugby career, Jones represented Wales at the 1966 Commonwealth Games in Kingston, Jamaica, competing as a sprinter in the 100 yards, 220 yards and relay races. Cardiff RFC, Neath and the Welsh Rugby Union paid tribute to Jones and offered condolences to his family.

How it is being reported

• Former Wales and Lions wing Jones dies age 81Former dual-code Wales international and British and Irish Lions wing Keri Jones has died at the age of 81.BBC Wales · 30 Oct, 21:53
• Former Wales and Lions international dies as club pay tributeKeri Jones, who featured for Wales, the Barbarians and Lions, has diedWalesOnline · 30 Oct, 14:13

In this story: Keri Jones · Wales · British Lions · Cardiff RFC · Wigan · Great Britain · Jamaica · South Africa

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